A family medicine physician will be Tippecanoe County’s next health officer. Dr. Jeremy Adler was appointed after interviewing with county officials Wednesday morning.
He’s part of the Pickerill, Adler and Reed Family Medicine practice in Lafayette, which is part of the Unity Healthcare system.
Adler says one challenge for Tippecanoe County, and all health departments, is maintaining adequate funding.
“Because it’s one of those services that when it works, we’re often not aware of it,” he says. “But when there’s some sort of public health emergency or crisis, then everyone’s aware of the work of the department of health.”
Adler also is a former patient of Dr. Wendell Riggs, who served as the county’s health officer for 19 years. He says it’s an honor to follow in his footsteps.
The purpose of the job is to be an advocate for public health and support the county’s programs. Adler sees it as a chance for him to help more of the community.
“It’s an opportunity to learn about areas of health and public health that I’ve been interested in for quite some time, but haven’t had the opportunity to learn much about.”
He will take over from Dr. Michael Bohlin, who is stepping down after eight years on the job. The county health administrator says he’ll work with the two doctors to finalize a transition plan.
